SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — Arnie said no, but maybe Jerry will say yes. State legislators have revived dozens of proposals vetoed by former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, with the hopes that Governor Jerry Brown will sign them.

KCBS’ Phil Matier Comments:

They include legislation aimed at increasing the use of renewable energy, giving illegal immigrants access to college aid, and protecting tenants in properties facing foreclosure. Others would keep pesticides away from schools, and close loopholes in the state’s workplace smoking ban.

Critics say that lawmakers should be solely focused on the budget right now, but Matier said that’s not the case.

”I was up in Sacramento the other day as Jerry Brown’s talks with Republicans were falling apart and it became clear that he wasn’t going to get his tax extensions on a special election ballot, and through the halls of Sacramento everyone was as busy as bees in their hives, putting together all of their little pet bills,” said Matier. “They were not so much focused on the budget. All of these little bills eventually are going to land on Jerry’s desk at a time when he’s hoping to get voters to concentrate on the budget. So he’s got himself a little political and public relations dilemma down the line.”

Experts say many of the bills put Brown in an awkward position because, while he wants to demonstrate to voters that he’s not a machine Democrat, by projecting an image of independence and fiscal prudence, he wants to keep his support among fellow Democrats.

Aides to Brown say his administration will not comment on any measure until the governor acts on it.

Whether it’s politics, personalities or analysis Phil Matier is one of best informed insiders in the Bay Area.
In addition to his work with KPIX 5, Matier and fellow journalist Andy Ross co-write a news column for the San Francisco Chronicle. The...